Thai Energy Ministry aims to raise green energy consumption

The Thai Energy Ministry has turned its 15-year alternative energy master plan into an action plan aiming to raise renewable energy consumption in the country from 6.4% to 14.22% in 2022. The plan would focus on securing the country’s energy resources, put renewable energy sources on the national agenda, encourage energy conservation, ensure fuel price and energy source stability and preserve the environment. “With clarity in the master and action plans, the Energy Ministry looks set to be the unit for promoting investor confidence. This should assist investors’ decision-making,”Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul said. The ministry will support investors with research papers, investment grants, low-interest loans, venture-capital funding and special “adder” tariffs. The ministry expects to finalize the plan by the end of the year. (May 22, 2009)